Imaging of unilateral hydronephrosis in an experimental animal model. With special reference to magnetic resonance.

In an experimental animal model of partial ureteral obstruction, three different modalities--excretory urography, real-time ultrasound and magnetic resonance--were used for imaging of the unilateral hydronephrotic rabbit kidney. Urography demonstrated well the anatomy of the renal pelvis, the site and the degree of obstruction. Real-time ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were both capable of demonstrating compartments of renal parenchyma in addition to the pelveocaliceal dilatation. With magnetic resonance, the renal vessels could be demonstrated. Blood flow velocity in renal arteries and veins was determined with the Doppler technique.